The Trans Alaska pipeline, environmental issues, the frozen climate, Northern Lights and snowshoeing were all topics third-graders at Riverview and Mullen schools learned about during a unit on Alaska. As part of their study, Luke Kantor and Ryan Endes of YMCA Camp Kenan visited to share their knowledge on cold weather safety with the students. Following that, they taught the students about snowshoeing and the engineering behind snowshoes. They were hoping to have the students try out the snowshoes, but Mother Nature didn't cooperate and bring enough snow.

Another day, Michael Johnson of Praxair, Inc. brought a slideshow about the Trans Alaskan Pipeline to share with the students. He answered questions about the pipeline construction, its environmental impact, involvement from Alaskan communities, and what is currently happening with the pipeline.

Some teachers included other exciting learning opportunities to the unit as well. Some Mullen students created writing pieces connected to the Northern Lights. A Riverview class used their knowledge of the Trans Alaskan Pipeline to engineer pipelines of their own while working in collaborative groups. Overall, Tonawanda's third-grader teachers provided many great learning opportunities for their students to build knowledge and understanding of Alaska.